Famous African Americans Social Studies On-line Copyright © 2002 Glenna R. Shaw and FTC Publishing All Rights Reserved

Blue Print Skill Identify the heroic deeds of characters from state, national, and global histories.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was the youngest person to ever receive the Noble Peace Prize in 1964.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a minister who became a leader in the civil rights movement in the 1950’s. In 1955-1956 he become prominent in leading the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama.

George Washington Carver Carver was one of American most-accomplished scientists.

George Washington Carver George Washington Carver was born a slave, but was taught to read and write by his owners. Carver attended college and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture. Carver became a world famous scientist who developed more than 300 products from the peanut.

Harriet Tubman Tubman was called Moses because she led her people out of slavery.

Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman was born a slave and lived on a plantation in Maryland until she escaped north. She became a conductor on the “underground railroad” helping more that 300 slaves escape to the North. During the Civil War Harriet was a nurse, scout and spy for the Union forces.

Langston Hughes Langston Hughes was a famous African American author.                            

Langston Hughes He was a newspaper correspondent in the Spanish Civil War. The Weary Blues was his first collection of poetry. Hughes wrote his autobiography called The Big Sea in 1949.

Jesse Owens Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics which were watched by Adolf Hitler.                                        

Jesse Owens His nickname of Jesse actually comes from his initials J.C. Jesse set a long jump record that lasted 25 years. Jesse Owens also gave many speeches about promoting fair play, clean living and patriotism.

Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson led his team to six World Series appearances.                                                                               

Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson was the first black man to play in major league baseball in 1947. In 1949 Robinson was named Most Valuable Player in the National League. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

Mary McLeod Bethune Bethune was the first black woman to head a federal agency in the national government.                                                                              

Mary McLeod Bethune Mary McLeod Bethune was a leading black educator who opened a school in 1904 for six black students. Schools for black children were not common and well equipped in the early 1900’s.                                                                             

Colin Powell Powell has served his country as a solider and diplomat.                                                                                                         

Colin Powell Colin L. Powell was born in Harlem in 1937. While in college, Powell discovered the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps). This led to his career decision to join the army. Powell served in the Vietnam war and received many awards and medal for bravery and courage.                                                                              

Colin Powell Powell became the first black to be appointed as chairman of the Joint Chefs of Staff in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush. From 2001 – 2004 Powell served as secretary of State under President George W. Bush.                                                                              

Famous African Americans Think about the people discussed today. List the person and one contribution in which that person made in history.